Design norms and live load development by the example of saint petersburg depot of reinforced concrete automobile road bridges

Abstract

Objective: To analyze and cover the statistical data concerning the development and application of live load and relevant design standards by the example of Saint Petersburg bridge constructions. Methods: A comprehensive three-stage analysis of technical documentation on the operated reinforced concrete bridge constructions of the city was applied. Historical and technical review of norms and specifications of design, since the end of the 19th century was conducted. Systematization, statistical analysis and splitting into stages and groups were carried out. Results: The article presents the development of design standards and temporary loads of reinforced concrete highway bridges. The statistics is made on the basis of the depot of Saint Petersburg bridges. The latter is characterized by the increased esthetic, and difficult technical operation features. Classification of temporary loads on structures of Saint Petersburg since 1891 was carried out. The stages of occurrence and formation of circulating load norms were analyzed. A certain feature in regulation of requirements for urban bridges was singled out. Examples of the relevant objects were given. A number of conclusions concerning the evolution of design standards were made. Practical importance: Taking into account the specifi city of the large megalopolis, management of technical condition of bridge constructions in Saint Petersburg represents an extremely responsible and difficult task. Authentic, exact and relevant data on the history of design of facilities, circulating load (both design and current) is necessary for the solution of the task in question. Statistical analysis was carried out to apply operation of reinforced concrete bridge constructions in practice as the most mass transportation facilities of the city. From a practical point of view the data in question will make it possible to provide and support the set standard (design) levels of reliability, safety and durability of bridge constructions with a sufficient share of probability.